Vatican City
The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the
world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael
Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

Austria
Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital
is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and
incredible history & food. Go Now!

Ukraine
Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian
Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Italy

Behavior

The Italians are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences
in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various
cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth,
or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above
others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Italy, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in
like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our
Italy Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics,
such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Italy has historically been divided and the traditional dress matches the region
more than it does the nation as a whole today. The similarities came in basic pieces
of clothing as women tended to wear a dress and men generally wore pants with a
shirt and perhaps a vest or coat. Embroidery was common on the clothing and with
seasonal changes the clothing also varied drastically. Colors also varied, but for
special occasions brighter colors were generally worn, although most everyday clothing
was simply white, grey, or black.

Today some of these clothing items can be seen on special occasions and local holidays,
but no one wears these traditional clothes regularly today. The Italians prefer
modern western-styled clothing and Milan is considered one of the fashion centers
of the world so the styles are always changing and it's impossible to argue
that the Italians are fashionable. Despite the ever-changing fashion, the diversity
in clothing is great.

As a visitor to Italy you are free to wear any western-styled clothing that suites
you, but wearing shabby clothing will get you odd looks, especially in the cities.
The most important thing to remember is to dress for the occasion as most churches
require you wear long pants and cover your shoulders, while business settings and
nice restaurants often have an even more formal dress code. If in doubt, dress on
the more formal, conservative, and stylish side.